Translation and adaptation of the Gross Motor Function Measure-88 to the Croatian language

The Gross Motor Function Measure-88 (GMFM-88) is a standardized observational instrument measuring gross motor function for children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome. Clinicians in Croatia have been showing a growing interest in GMFM-88. However, only the English version of the measure was available, which possessed a barrier for its use in Croatia. The aim of this study was to translate the GMFM-88 test from English into Croatian and adapt it for use in clinical practice in Croatia. In this study, we followed the first five steps of the Sousa & Rojjanasrirat (2010) guideline for translation and adaptation. First, two authors independently did “forward” translation; a translation of the score sheet from English into Croatian. Then, the third author performed “backward” translation, which was checked and revised by the measure’s author. The pre-final version of the translated measure was tested through cognitive debriefing with seven clinicians. Participants pointed out the importance of the consistent use of terms and provided suggestions for improvement, such as changed word order or shortening of the translated items. Seventy two of 88 items were changed. With this study, we have initiated the adaptation of the GMFM-88 to Croatian. The next steps for fully validated GMFM-88 in the Croatian language is to do psychometric testing with children with cerebral palsy and Down syndrome in Croatia.